Turkmenistan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

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Global Human Rights Body Condemns Inaction of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsman

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (OHCHR-SCA) has issued sharp criticism of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsman Office. According to the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), the institution has failed to actively protect human rights despite credible reports of serious violations by state entities. One major concern highlighted by the SCA is the Ombudsman’s lack of responsiveness to appeals from human rights organizations. This raises doubts about its ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation with key stakeholders. The SCA also expressed alarm over the absence of transparency in how civil society is involved in ensuring the independence and impartiality of the Ombudsman’s operations. Furthermore, limited access for applicants and a poorly maintained website—last updated in February—underscore deficiencies in the institution’s functionality. The controversy surrounding Human Rights Ombudsman Yazdursun Gurbannazarova further fuels criticism. Last year, Gurbannazarova reportedly pressured journalist Soltan Achilova to cancel a planned trip to Geneva, a move widely condemned by observers. These actions reinforce the SCA’s assessment that the Ombudsman’s Office is not fulfilling its mandate. Turkmenistan has long faced scrutiny from human rights organizations for systematic violations. Amnesty International has reported widespread use of torture, denial of medical care to political prisoners, and persecution of opposition figures within and outside the country. Human Rights Watch has documented cases of intimidation, including threats against the families of dissidents living abroad. The SCA’s findings shed light on Turkmenistan’s ongoing challenges in addressing human rights concerns and underscore the need for reforms in its Ombudsman Office to meet international standards.

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Satellite Data Reveals High Methane Emissions in Turkmenistan’s Oil and Gas Fields

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has released the first images from MethaneSAT, a cutting-edge satellite designed to monitor methane emissions globally. The data reveals significant leaks from key fossil fuel production regions, including the United States, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Initial findings indicate methane emissions from North American and Central Asian production sites are substantially higher than earlier estimates based on ground-based monitoring. Both Turkmenistan and the U.S. are signatories to the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030. MethaneSAT is part of a new wave of satellite missions focused on holding major emitters accountable for curbing methane leaks. This comes amid alarming findings from a September study by Stanford University, which reported that global methane emissions are increasing at an unprecedented rate, driving atmospheric methane levels to their highest in 800,000 years. Without immediate intervention, researchers warn, the planet could face a temperature rise exceeding 3 degrees Celsius by 2100. Methane, a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term, is primarily released through fossil fuel production, agriculture, and waste decomposition. In 2020, human activities were responsible for 65% of methane emissions, with agriculture and waste contributing two-thirds and fossil fuels accounting for one-third. While agricultural emissions are harder to mitigate, initiatives like the Methane Pledge prioritize reducing methane leaks in fossil fuel production, which are more readily addressed. The MethaneSAT mission highlights the urgency of reducing emissions and pressuring major fossil fuel producers to take swift action. The Global Methane Pledge accommodates different national circumstances, allowing countries like New Zealand, where fossil fuel emissions are minimal, to focus on reducing methane from agriculture and waste. With atmospheric methane levels reaching critical thresholds, MethaneSAT and similar initiatives aim to catalyze a global effort to combat this potent driver of climate change.

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Turkmenistan Authorities Set Up Fake Bazaars for U.S. Ambassador’s Visit

Ahead of U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood's visit to the Balkan region, local authorities undertook misleading measures to create a favorable impression of the area. According to Radio Azatlyk, markets in the city of Turkmenbashi were artificially overstocked with food products, and English teachers were deployed as market vendors. On November 22, the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat reported on Ambassador Rood's visit to Balkan. During her visit, the ambassador met with local business representatives and U.S. companies operating in Turkmenistan, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to expanding investment and commercial ties to promote economic growth and shared prosperity. In preparation for the visit, Turkmenbashi city authorities reportedly instructed English teachers to pose as vendors at local markets, including the Kenar market and other major trading hubs. These measures were designed to create the illusion of a thriving marketplace and well-being among residents. Local sources revealed that the product variety was artificially increased for the occasion, and teachers donned vendor attire to serve shoppers. Such practices are common in Turkmenistan during high-profile visits. In addition to market modifications, Turkmenbashi authorities temporarily banned cars manufactured before 2015 from city roads to present an image of affluence. Observers noted that only new and expensive cars were visible, reinforcing the portrayal of prosperity. While official sources did not confirm visits to local markets by U.S. representatives, local authorities took preventive measures to pre-empt potential criticism. Campaign-style meetings were held in school and cultural assembly halls, where officials from the hakimlik, Trade Union, and Women’s Union instructed residents not to discuss food shortages or economic issues with outsiders, to maintain order in queues for cooking oil, and to report anyone photographing lines.

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Turkmen Human Rights Activist Soltan Achilova Released After Forced Hospitalization

Renowned Turkmen journalist Soltan Achilova, along with her daughter and son-in-law, has been discharged from the infectious disease department of Choganly Hospital after six days of forced isolation. According to the Turkmenistan Chronicle portal, none of the three showed symptoms or signs of any infectious disease. Prior to their release, Achilova's apartment was disinfected, but authorities provided no explanation for their hospitalization or the results of medical tests conducted during their detention. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Achilova and her relatives were hospitalized after a group of men in medical coats forcibly removed them from their home on November 20. This happened on a day when the journalist was scheduled to travel to Geneva to attend a Martin Ennals Foundation award ceremony, where her work was to be recognized. The timing has led to widespread speculation that the hospitalization was a calculated effort to prevent her attendance. While in isolation, doctors conducted blood tests and nasal swabs but failed to announce any diagnosis. Despite this, medical staff prescribed treatment, which Achilova refused, citing the absence of an explanation for her condition. The journalist's release was reportedly facilitated by diplomatic interventions from several countries and pressure from international human rights organizations. Although now safely home, the incident highlights the increasingly hostile environment for human rights defenders and independent journalists in Turkmenistan, a country notorious for its oppressive restrictions on free speech and movement.

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Turkmenistan Tightens Border Rules to Limit Trips to Uzbekistan

Turkmenistan is imposing stricter regulations on cross-border tourism with Uzbekistan, reportedly to conceal its struggles to provide basic goods and services to its citizens, according to Eurasianet. In 2024, an increasing number of Turkmen citizens have been traveling to Uzbekistan to purchase food and essential items that are scarce in their own country, a reflection of Turkmenistan’s ongoing economic crisis. Over the past month, customs officials have introduced new rules aimed at curbing these cross-border trips, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Travelers are now required to present a variety of documents, including marriage certificates and proof of residency, to cross the border. Residents of the Dashoguz Region have reported that dozens of people were denied exit for failing to provide all the necessary paperwork. RFE/RL suggests that the government views these trips as a source of embarrassment, highlighting the reliance of its citizens on Uzbekistan for basic necessities. To counter this perception, Turkmen authorities are tightening border controls. However, the report also notes that corruption persists; intermediaries can reportedly facilitate crossings for a $50 bribe. “Customs officers accuse these citizens of shaming the country by engaging in trade, and under this pretext, they stop them at customs,” RFE/RL quoted one individual as saying. Turkmenistan’s efforts to stem cross-border movement reflect its struggle to address domestic shortages while grappling with the broader implications of its economic challenges.

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Turkmenistan Forcibly Hospitalizes Human Rights Activist to Prevent Her Traveling

Veteran journalist and human rights defender Soltan Achilova was forcibly hospitalized in Turkmenistan, an apparent attempt by authorities to prevent her from leaving the country for an international event in Geneva. The incident was highlighted in a recent article by Rachel Denber, Deputy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division of Human Rights Watch. Achilova, aged 75, was set to attend an event organized by the Martin Ennals Foundation in recognition of her nomination in 2021 as a finalist for the award. On the morning of November 20, hours before her flight from Ashgabat, four men in medical uniforms arrived at her home. Claiming suspicion of an infectious disease, they forcibly removed her from her residence, confiscated her keys, and transported her to an infectious disease hospital. Shortly after, Achilova's daughter and son-in-law arrived at the scene, only to find one of the men still at the apartment, who demanded they undergo medical examinations due to "contact" with the allegedly infected Achilova. At the hospital, Achilova was subjected to a blood test but was not informed of the specific illness she was purportedly carrying. Officials later declared the test "positive," requiring her indefinite hospitalization. Achilova, along with her daughter and son-in-law, remained at the hospital overnight. This incident reflects a long-standing pattern of repression by Turkmen authorities, who frequently use such tactics to restrict human rights activists from traveling abroad. In 2023, Achilova and her daughter were also barred from traveling to Geneva when officials claimed their passports were damaged. International organizations and human rights defenders have called on Turkmenistan's government to release Achilova and her relatives immediately, cease their forced hospitalization, and allow her to travel freely. Achilova’s ordeal is emblematic of the systemic harassment faced by independent journalists and human rights activists in Turkmenistan. Over the years, she has endured various forms of intimidation: being followed near her home, having her property vandalized, and suffering physical assaults, including attacks by police and unidentified individuals. Achilova's unwavering commitment to human rights has made her a target of state repression. Despite ongoing threats, she continues to raise awareness about the plight of ordinary citizens under Turkmenistan’s authoritarian regime led by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.